Dive into the world of delicious and easy-to-make Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles. This dish is a blend of rich flavors and aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion, these noodles are sure to impress.

Customization Options

The beauty of Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles lies in their versatility. Here are some ways to tailor the recipe to your liking:

  1. Adjusting Spice Levels: Not everyone has the same tolerance for heat. You can easily control the spice by varying the amounts of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Start with smaller amounts and increase as desired.
  2. Protein Add-Ins: For a heartier meal, consider adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even beef can be excellent additions. Simply cook your protein choice separately and toss it in with the noodles at the end.
  3. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add in vegetables like bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage for a nutritional boost and added texture.
  4. Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes a good substitute. Similarly, if you’re out of sesame oil, you can use a bit of peanut oil or skip it altogether.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not just about tantalizing flavors; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

  • Garlic and Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, they add not just flavor but health benefits.
  • Scallions/Green Onions: Low in calories and a good source of vitamins.
  • Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that’s lighter on the stomach compared to traditional pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Storage: Keep the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat the noodles in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. If they seem dry, add a splash of water to bring back the moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles as a standalone dish or pair them with side dishes like:

  • Grilled Vegetables: For a balanced meal.
  • Spring Rolls: For an authentic Asian dining experience.
  • Chilled Cucumber Salad: To offset the heat.

Ingredients

  • Rice Noodles: 8 ounces, preferably wide.
  • Shallots: 2, finely sliced.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves, minced.
  • Scallions/Green Onions: ⅓ cup, chopped (white part for cooking, green part for garnish).
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon, fresh and grated.
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon, olive or vegetable.
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: 4-5 tablespoons.
  • Chili Garlic Sauce: 1-3 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference).
  • Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
  • Sriracha: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste).
  • Rice Vinegar: 2 teaspoons.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for extra spice).

Preparation Steps

  1. Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and cook the 8 ounces of rice noodles following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the 2 sliced shallots and 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until they turn golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
  3. Add Scallions and Ginger: To the pot, add ⅓ cup of chopped scallions (white part) and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Create the Sauce: In the same pot, mix in the sauce ingredients. Start with 4 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce (adjust according to spice preference), 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sriracha (adjust to taste), 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Mix well. Remember, it’s easier to add more spice later than to remove it, so start with less if you’re unsure.
  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pot with the sauce. Toss them well to ensure they’re fully coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors.
  6. Adjust Flavors and Serve: Taste the noodles and adjust the flavors as desired. If you want more heat, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes. Serve the noodles garnished with the green parts of the scallions and, if desired, additional red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Notes

  • For a variant, you can add diced roasted red peppers or any sautéed veggies you like.
  • To make it milder, reduce the sriracha and chili garlic sauce.
  • If using regular soy sauce, start with 2 tablespoons to avoid excess saltiness.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles are a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. They’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Experiment with the recipe, adjust it to your taste, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.